A SP1 binding site in the GC-rich region is essential for a core promoter activity of the human endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is an important oxygenase which catalyzes the conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline to form nitric oxide (NO), a potent important factor for vasodilation and inhibition of platelet aggregation. We have analyzed characteristics of the promoter region of the human eNOS gene using the transient expression in human endothelial cells of CAT constructs with a series of 5'-deletion mutants. The 5'-flanking region between -116 and -98, which contains a putative consensus sequence for binding of transcription factor Sp1, is essential to direct a basal promoter activity. Gel mobility shift analysis involving anti-Sp1 antibody and competitor DNAs disrupted at the binding site for Sp1 reveals that Sp1 or its closely related protein(s) binds to the consensus sequence located between -104 and -96. These results indicate that the Sp1 site is essential for a core promoter activity of the human eNOS gene.

Classic steroid 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency caused by a C-->G transversion in exon 7 of CYP11B1

Steroid 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency (11 beta OHD) is derived from mutations in the P45011 beta gene (CYP11B1) and inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. In the present study, we have performed a molecular genetic analysis of CYP11B1 in a Japanese patient clinically diagnosed as classic 11 beta OHD. Nucleotide sequencing of the PCR-amplified exons from the patient's genomic DNA reveals a unique C-->G transversion that converts codon 384 CGA (arginine) to GGA (glycine) in exon 7. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) data demonstrate that the patient is homozygous for this mutation. When the full-length cDNA corresponding to CYP11B1 of the patient is transfected into COS-7 cells, no steroid 11 beta-hydroxylase activity is detectable in mitochondria of the cells. These results indicate that this point mutation completely abolishes P45011 beta activity and causes the classic 11 beta OHD.

Long loops in proteins

In proteins, loop regions which connect secondary structures are generally short (80% are <10 amino acids long). However, long loops, defined here as > or = 10 residues, do occur. Two types of long loop may be distinguished: those which connect adjacent regions of secondary structure ('long-closed') and those which connect distant secondary structures ('long-open'). Only 5% of all loops in proteins fall into the long-open class. Inspection of these unusual long-open loops reveals a higher percentage of proline residues and more helix-helix linkages than expected. Exposure to solvent is similar for long-open and long-closed loops. The role of these loops in protein folding is discussed.

Strongly anionic sites in peripheral axons of the rat sciatic nerve: light and electron microscopic detection using cationic colloidal iron

Anionic sites in the rat sciatic nerve were studied by light and electron microscopy using a fine-granular cationic colloidal iron staining method (Murakami et al., 1986). The axon, as well as the endoneurium, the epineurium and the basement membrane of Schwann cells, were all confirmed to react strongly to the cationic colloidal iron even at a pH value of 1.0-2.0. Prior hyaluronidase digestion decreased the colloidal strain of the epineurium; chondroitinase ABC weakened that of the endoneurium and the basement membrane of Schwann cells. However, as axons retained stainability with cationic colloidal iron even after combined digestion with hyaluronidase, chondroitinase ABC, heparitinase and keratanase, the authors consider sulfated glycoconjugates and not those substances which are digestible with such common enzymes. The acid groups ionized at pH 1.0 are most likely sulfate groups. Methylation deprived the axon of the reactivity to cationic colloidal iron staining, and even subsequent saponification could not recover this reactivity to its full extent. In the axon, electron microscopy revealed a deposition of colloidal iron on the external surfaces of microtubules and neurofilaments in the axoplasm and of very fine filaments connecting them. This highly negatively charged intra-axonal network could also serve toward a supportive function in maintaining the spatial distribution of microtubules either mechanically or through electrostatic repulsion or, possibly, serve as an intra-axona cation exchange reservoir.

An in vitro jaw-nerve preparation for oral sensory study in the rat

We have developed an in vitro jaw-nerve preparation in Wistar albino rats, suitable for the quantitative study of peripheral sensory mechanisms in the oral region. The mandible on one side was excised together with the inferior alveolar nerve and was kept in a modified Krebs-Henseleit solution saturated with O2/CO2 (95:5) gas mixture. Recordings were made from single afferent fibers in the inferior alveolar nerve in response to mechanical stimulation of various oral sites (oral mucosa, periodontal ligament and tooth pulp) by calibrated von Frey hairs. In the case of tooth pulp stimulation, heat and chemical (bradykinin) stimuli were also used. Stable unitary recordings could be made for up to 5 h which was long enough to record the activities evoked by various stimuli applied to the oral area. This paper will describe the procedure for making this preparation together with some responses of single units in the inferior alveolar nerve to mechanical, thermal and chemical stimulations applied to this preparation.

Significance of laparoscopic excisional biopsy for polypoid lesions of the gallbladder

Polypoid lesions of the gallbladder taken from 103 patients were examined to correlate clinical indicators with pathological characteristics. By ultrasonographic examination, no carcinoma was found in polypoid lesions with a diameter less than 1 cm. However, the incidence of carcinoma in those with diameters greater than 1 cm was 23%, a lower rate than expected from previous pathological studies. Comparison of ultrasonographic and actual measurements suggested that the size of cholesterol polyps tended to be overestimated by ultrasonography, suggesting that the apparent risk of cancer was decreased by cholesterol polyps. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 30 patients with polyps. No complications were encountered, and operative time was significantly shorter (p < 0.01) than in the 116 laparoscopic cholecystectomies for cholelithiasis. This study demonstrated the difficulty in distinguishing large benign polyps from carcinoma by ultrasonography. To complete the diagnosis with less invasive intervention, we propose the use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with polypoid lesions larger than 1 cm by ultrasonographic estimation.

Identification of a transcriptional regulatory factor for human aromatase cytochrome P450 gene expression as nuclear factor interleukin-6 (NF-IL6), a member of the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein family

Human aromatase cytochrome P450 catalyzes the ultimate reaction in the estrogen biosynthetic pathway by coupling with another enzyme, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, in the endoplasmic reticulum. The expression of the gene encoding the enzyme (CYP19) is regulated, in part, by tissue-specific promoters through the use of alternative-splicing mechanisms. Recently, we have localized a transcriptional activating element at positions -2141 to -2115 relative to the major cap site of the gene, by transient expression analyses in human BeWo choriocarcinoma cells using the bacterial chloramphenicol acetytransferase reporter gene ligated with CYP19 promoter sequences which regulate expression in this tissue. Here, we report the isolation of a cDNA encoding a DNA-binding protein which binds specifically to the regulatory element. The deduced amino-acid sequence of the insert is identical to that corresponding to the DNA-binding domain and the dimerization domain of a transcription factor, nuclear factor interleukin-6 (NF-IL6), a member of the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) family. Studies using specific antibodies against members of the C/EBP family demonstrate that NF-IL6 is the major nuclear factor binding to the regulatory element in BeWo cells; nevertheless. C/EBP alpha also seems to be involved. Disruption of the NF-IL6-binding site within the regulatory element resulted in the disappearance of the transcriptional enhancing activity of the element, indicating that NF-IL6 is at least one of the nuclear factor(s) which enhances transcription through binding to the cis-acting element. These results indicate the intrinsic importance of NF-IL6 in the transcriptional regulation of CYP19 expression.

Development and in vivo evaluation of an implantable left ventricular assist system with an impedance based monitoring and control system

We have developed an implantable pneumatically driven diaphragm left ventricular assist system (LVAS) for small adults, and an electric impedance based monitoring and control system (Z system). In this Z system, measurement of electric impedance of the blood chamber is performed by charging an alternating current with a constant amplitude between two metal connectors without compromising anti-thrombogenicity. Automatic calibration was performed periodically by measuring trough values of impedance in the blood chamber for several beats while the blood pump was in a full-fill state under preset driving conditions. For precise control of the fill-to-empty (F/E) drive, an automatic trigger level adjustment method was developed. This method is an automatic searching algorithm that identifies the volume change of the last ejection or filling by the Z system and settles the next trigger level to maintain a definite stroke volume. In chronic in vivo evaluation, this LVAS was used in 13 adult goats. The pump was installed between the LV apex and the descending aorta and was placed in the abdominal wall. Pump output ranged from 2.5 to 5.8 L/min, and the Z system provided good monitoring. The F/E drive was achieved satisfactorily by this Z system. The physical condition of the goats was excellent for as long as 19 weeks. Hematologic, hepatic, and renal functions were within the normal range, and no prominent thromboembolic symptoms were observed. A new mobile control drive unit with this Z system is being developed. We conclude that this LVAS with the Z system is promising for long-term use in a clinical setting.

How does the sympathetic nervous system behave during non pulsatile circulation?

Non pulsatile circulation is commonly applied to clinical cardiopulmonary bypass or circulatory assist. However, influences of non pulsatile circulation on sympathetic nerve activity, which plays an important role in circulatory control, have not been elucidated. In this study the renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded for the first time in goats, whose heart rate and size are similar to humans', and the difference during pulsatile and non pulsatile circulation was evaluated. Total left heart bypass was instituted in eight adult goats under general anesthesia. A pneumatic pulsatile pump and a centrifugal non pulsatile pump were incorporated in parallel so that pulsatile circulation and non pulsatile circulation could be instantly converted to the other. The pumping rate was set at 90/min regardless of the native heart rate during pulsatile circulation and the mean aortic pressure was maintained constant at the conversion of circulatory mode. The original signals of RSNA were integrated and defined as the mean RSNA. The mean RSNA and the mean aortic pressure were averaged every 30 sec and quantified during pulsatile circulation and non pulsatile circulation. The pulse synchronized burst of RSNA during pulsatile circulation immediately disappeared and the mean RSNA significantly increased up to 120% of pre depulsation level after changing the circulatory mode to non pulsatile circulation. Reverse conversion of circulatory mode from non pulsatile circulation to pulsatile circulation decreased the mean RSNA to 79%. The results suggest that vasotonus may be affected in its periodicity as well as its quantity by the loss of pulsation during the initial phase after depulsation.

Long-term cardiopulmonary support with a composite artificial heart-lung system

A novel cardiopulmonary support (CPS) system as a long-term total substitute for the natural heart and lung was designed and evaluated. The CPS system is composed of a ventricular assist device (VAD) and a newly developed compact artificial lung (AL). The pneumatic VAD was originally developed in the authors' institute and has proven durable and antithrombogenic in over 120 clinical uses. The AL, with 1.2 m2 membrane surface area and 140 ml priming volume, consists of a special gas exchange membrane where not only are micropores blind-ended to prevent serum leakage, but the blood contacting surface is treated with heparin binding to ease systemic anticoagulation. Chronic animal experiments of total CPS were carried out in three goats weighing from 28 to 36 kg. Venoarterial bypass was instituted with the CPS system in which all venous blood was drawn from both the right atrium and ventricle and returned to the aorta. No systemic anticoagulation was conducted except for heparin added fluid infusion from pressure lines. One animal survived for 2 weeks without any device related problems until electively euthanized. Blood flow rate ranged between 3.2 to 4.5 L/min, O2 transfer between 120 to 220 ml/min, and CO2 removal between 60 to 210 ml/min. No substantial changes were found in platelet count or other coagulation factors. These results indicate that the system has the ability to be used for long-term CPS, such as a bridge to lung or heart-lung transplantation.

A two stage axial flow pump. New approach to reduction of hemolysis

From an engineering point of view, the suitable revolution number for high efficiency operation of an axial flow pump is known. A multistage axial flow pump is a useful tool for reducing revolution number with a high efficiency axial flow pump. A two stage (25) axial flow pump designed at a 5 L/min flow rate and a 100 mmHg pressure head was evaluated in three kinds of in vitro hemolysis tests. Each stage design point of the 2s pump was tested at a 5 L/min flow rate and a 50 mmHg pressure head. Specific speed and revolution number of the 2S pump were 1400 rpm, m3/min, m, and 15500 rpm, respectively. In the first test the 2S pump was compared with two single stage axial flow pumps (1S-A and 1S-B100) designed by the same method. The specific speed of the 1A was the same as that of the 2S pump, which was driven at 26000 rpm. The impeller of the 1S-B100 was the same as that of the 2S pump, which was driven at a 22000 rpm RN and a 1100 specific speed. The 2S pump was separated into two single stage axial flow pumps and the effect of series operation on hemolysis was evaluated in the second test. In the third test the 2S pump was compared with the 1S-B100 by using diluted goat blood samples with three different hematocrit values. The results showed that the hemolysis index of the 2S pump, regarded as a total hemolysis index of both stage axial flow pumps, was less than those of the single stage axial flow pumps at all hematocrit values.

Development of an intravenous axial flow pump for temporary right heart assist

In clinical settings, quick application systems with easy access for circulatory support are desired. For left heart assist, an intraarterial axial flow pump (Hemopump) has been developed and applied to clinical cases. However, no simple way has been proposed for right heart assist. We have developed an intravenous axial flow pump for temporary right heart assist and have reported its hemodynamic effect. In this study, in vivo evaluation of this system was performed. The pump system consists of an outflow cannula, an impeller that was newly developed for intravenous use, and a driving system for the Hemopump. A prototype pump demonstrated 3.2 L/min of maximal flow at a pressure differential against 40 mmHg at a pump speed of 28,000 rpm in mock circulation. Application to goats is as follows. A 14 mm low porosity graft was anastomosed to the infrarenal inferior vena cava (IVC). The pump system was inserted into the IVC through the graft and advanced to the right heart using balloon catheter guidance under fluoroscopy, and the tip of the cannula of the pump was positioned at the main pulmonary artery. In acute experiments, this system provided effective right heart assist under induced pulmonary stenosis and induced biventricular failure with left ventricular assist. Chronic animal experiments were performed for as long as 4 hr using adult goats weighing 51-54 kg. There were no difficulties in pump insertion. In one goat, the drive shaft was broken because of kinking of the shaft inside the body, caused by failure in securing the pump. Levels of platelet counts and plasma hemoglobin were acceptable, and there was no prominent damage to heart tissues. In conclusion, an intravenous axial flow pump introduced through a peripheral vein is practicable for temporary right heart assist.

An approach to reducing hemolysis in an axial-flow blood pump

In an attempt to decrease hemolysis caused by an axial-flow blood pump, we studied whether specific speed (Ns) at a design point (determined by flow in m3/min, pump head in m, and pump speeds in rpm), should be kept within the existing engineering standard range (1000 < Ns < 2500) or whether pump speed should be reduced to a minimum (Ns < 1000). Four pumps (A: 14,000 rpm, B: 18,000 rpm, C: 22,000 rpm, and D: 26,000 rpm), each with an impeller 11.8 mm in diameter, were designed to accommodate a flow rate of 5 L/min and a pressure head of 100 mmHg. At this design point, the Ns of each pump was calculated as A:758, B:974, C:1191, and D:1407. Pump performance was observed, and the total efficiency of each pump was calculated. The hemolysis index (HI) was calculated after simultaneous testing in duplicate of all four pumps using fresh goat blood (anticoagulated with citrate-dextrose solution) in a closed mock-loop circuit. Total efficiency of each pump was calculated as A:49%, B:50%, C:45%, and D:22%. In the first hemolytic test, HIs were measured as A:0.066, B:0.18, and C:0.13; a water seal failed in pump D. In the second test, HIs were B:0.077, C:0.0499, and D:0.12; a bearing failed in pump A. It is concluded that a lower level of hemolysis is associated with a pump speed in the minimum range at the design point, even though Ns is outside the standard range.

Power of the fatigue resistant in situ latissimus dorsi muscle

To evaluate the in situ latissimus dorsi muscle as an actuator for circulatory assistance, 1) muscle power was analyzed in animal experiments, and 2) muscle weight was measured in human cadavers. Three adult goats underwent 12 week preconditioning. The insertion of the latissimus dorsi muscle was then connected to a spring and a tension transducer in series. The stroke length was measured with a photosensor without power loss. With contraction of muscles under various loads, tension-length relationships at end contraction and end relaxation were obtained and the maximum area of a square drawn within both lines was assumed to be maximum external power. Good fatigue resistance and the highest maximum external power of 3.16 Watts/kg at 120 min was derived from preconditioned latissimus dorsi muscle in burst frequency of 50 Hz. Muscle weight in 42 human cadavers was negatively correlated with age (r = 0.56) and was expected to be 221.6 g in patients aged 45 years. According to these data, the power of a human preconditioned latissimus dorsi muscle was estimated as 0.7 Watts. It was concluded the power of in situ preconditioned latissimus dorsi muscles was appropriate for right heart assistance or counterpulsation for left heart assist.

Improvement in antithrombogenicity in a centrifugal pump with self wash-out structure for long-term use

Antithrombogenicity in the initial (NCVC-1) centrifugal pump (CP) developed at our institute is provided by a central balancing hole in an impeller that promotes self wash-out blood flow (Sf) around the impeller. The current CP (NCVC-2) was ameliorated to obtain better antithrombogenicity, where the balancing hole diameter was widened to improve Sf velocity (Vsf), and the edge of a thrust bearing (TB) was rounded to minimize flow separation. Effects of the modifications were assessed in in vitro and in vivo studies. The Vsf of the NCVC-1 and the NCVC-2 evaluated by Doppler velocimeter were 12.8 and 22.1 cm/sec, respectively. Flow around the TB visualized by a light cutting method confirmed less flow stagnation in the NCVC-2. In vivo antithrombogenicity of the CPs was investigated in three goats. A pulsatile VAD (P-VAD) was installed paracorporeally between the left atrium and the aorta. After 3 weeks, the P-VAD was exchanged for the NCVC-2 and the NCVC-1 in sequence. Each CP was driven for 1 week and disassembled. No anticoagulation was used, except for heparin injection at pump exchange. Thrombus at the TB was found in the two NCVC-1s, and two little thrombi were on the impeller of another NCVC-1, whereas a thrombus smaller than 1 mm3 at the TB was noted in one NCVC-2. These results indicate that the NCVC-2 has better antithrombogenicity and Sf around the impeller and the TB.

Acute phase responses of vasoactive hormones to non pulsatile systemic circulation

Acute phase responses of vasoactive hormones to the rapid conversion of a systemic flow pattern from pulsatile or non pulsatile mode to the reverse were assessed in 20 goats weighing 45-69 kg. A total left heart bypass was instituted under general anesthesia, with pulsatile and non pulsatile pumps interposed in the circuit in parallel, and the systemic flow mode was rapidly and bidirectionally converted from the pulsatile mode or non pulsatile mode to the reverse. Vasoactive hormone levels and hemodynamics were evaluated before and after 5 min of conversion. No significant difference was observed between the modes either in blood flow or systemic vascular resistance, while the mean aortic pressure was significantly higher in the non pulsatile mode than the pulsatile mode (106.7 +/- 2.4 versus 99.9 +/- 3.5 mmHg). Among various vasoactive hormone levels evaluated, only norepinephrine showed a significant difference between the modes, where concentration in the non pulsatile mode was significantly higher than the pulsatile mode (391.0 +/- 60.7 versus 309.4 +/- 42.5 pg/ml). No correlation was found between the absolute values of mean aortic pressure and norepinephrine level, whereas a significant reciprocal correlation was detected between the magnitude of inter-mode differences in these two parameters. In conclusion, a non pulsatile systemic circulation does not exert significant influence on vasoactive hormone levels, except for slight increase in norepinephrine with a reciprocally correlated increase in mean aortic pressure. It is deduced that activity of the sympathetic nervous system represented by norepinephrine level is higher in the non pulsatile mode than the pulsatile mode, and the baroreceptor reflex functions in an acute phase after flow mode conversion.

Development of an electrohydraulic total artificial heart at the National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan

The authors have been developing an electrohydraulic total artificial heart with a basic concept placing the blood pumps and an electrohydraulic energy converter separately, in the thorax and the abdominal region, respectively, to minimize anatomic constraints. Major problems of the system were a high energy consumption of 56 W at 6 L/min output and an insufficient maximum output of 6.7 L/min. The energy converter was redesigned to overcome these problems. A three phase, 4 pole brushless DC motor, which has maximum efficiency of 79% at a motor rotation of 2500 rpm with a load of 0.1 Nm, was developed for the new energy converter. Flow-channel design of the regenerative oil pump was optimized, which resulted in increasing the maximum flow rate at one directional motor rotation from 18 to 29 L/min. In vitro performance of the electrohydraulic total artificial heart was evaluated in a mock circulation with physiologic pressure conditions. Maximum output was increased to 10.7 L/min at a pump rate of 120 bpm and energy consumption of the motor at 6 L/min output was reduced to 18 W. Based upon these favorable results, the system is now being assembled for chronic animal implantation.

Heat generation and hemolysis at the shaft seal in centrifugal blood pumps

The heat and hemolysis around a shaft seal were investigated. Materials were original pumps (Nikkiso HMS-15:N-original, and 3M Delphin:D-original), vane-removed pumps (Nvane(-), Dvane(-)), and a small chamber with a shaft coiled by nichrome wire (mock pump). The original pumps were driven at 500 mmHg and 5 L/min, and vane-removed pumps were driven at the same rotation number. An electrical powers of 0, 0.5, 2, and 10 W was supplied to the mock pumps. In vitro hemolytic testing showed that hemolytic indices were 0.027 g/100 L in N-original, 0.013 in Nvane(-), 0.061 in D-original, and 0.012 in Dvane(-). Measurement of heat with a thermally insulated water chamber showed total heat within the pump of 8.62 and 10.85 W, and heat at the shaft seal of 0.87 and 0.62 W in the Nikkiso and Delphin pumps, respectively. Hemolysis and heat generation of mock pumps remained low. The results indicate that the heat generated around the shaft seal was minimal. Hemolysis at the shaft-seal was considerable but not major. Local heat did not affect hemolysis. It was concluded that the shaft-seal affected hemolysis, not by local heat but friction itself.

Cytokinesis by a contractile ring in the primitive red alga Cyanidium caldarium RK-1

To better understand the mechanism of cytokinesis in eukaryotes, the behavior of the contractile ring in the two unicellular primitive red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae and Cyanidium caldarium RK-1, which have the smallest genome size among eukaryotes, was examined by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-phalloidin fluorescence microscopy, fluorometry using a video-intensified microscope photoncounting system, transmission electron microscopy and immunoblotting techniques. Cells in each alga contained one nucleus, one mitochondrion and one chloroplast, which were aligned in that order. During cytokinesis in C. merolae, a contractile ring was not observed by fluorescence microscopy or by transmission electron microscopy. In contrast, in C. caldarium RK-1, a contractile ring appeared at the equatorial region of the dividing cells and began to contract from the side of the chloroplast. During contraction of this ring, the total fluorescent intensities due to FITC-phalloidin remained constant. Electron microscopy revealed outer and inner bands approximately 80 nm wide and 9 nm thick which ran parallel to each other just beneath the cell membrane. These bands were visible at the equator of the cell just before the initiation of cytokinesis and constricted from the pole of the chloroplast. Both bands increased in width as cleavage progressed. The inner ring consisted of a bundle of approximately 20 actin-like filaments which were arranged as a raft. In the outer ring, such fine filaments were not visible. It seems likely that the bundle of filaments, known as the contractile ring, is composed of two different elements: an inner band of actin filaments and an outer band of unknown materials.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transcriptional regulation of the human aromatase cytochrome P450 gene expression in human placental cells

The human aromatase cytochrome P450 gene, CYP 19, spans more than 75 kb in the human genome. Recently, it is proposed that the expression of the CYP 19 gene is regulated in part by tissue-specific promoters through the use of mechanisms involving alternative splicing of a number of untranslated exons. In this study, we have characterized cis-acting elements involved in the transcriptional regulation of the gene in human placental cells, where the majority of the transcripts contain the 5'-untranslated sequence encoded by exon I.1. By transient expression analyses in human BeWo choriocarcinoma cells using the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene as a reporter gene, we localized an enhancer element in the region between -242 and -166 relative to the major cap site of the gene. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the element between -2141 and -2115 participates in the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-mediated enhancement of gene expression. By screening a human placental cDNA expression library, we have isolated a cDNA clone (lambda 1-2) encoding a peptide which binds specifically to the element between -2141 and -2115. Sequence analysis of the clone revealed that the insert of lambda 1-2 encodes a part of the amino acid sequence of NF-IL6 (also termed as LAP and C/EBP beta). Northern blot analysis reveals expression of the NF-IL6 gene in BeWo cells and human placenta. These results indicate that NF-IL6 is one of the nuclear factors which participate in TPA-mediated transcriptional enhancement of CYP 19 gene expression.

Soluble E-cadherin: a novel cutaneous disease marker

E-cadherin is a major homophilic cell-cell adhesion molecule of the skin. There are two forms of E-cadherin--membrane and soluble types. Although various abnormalities of the former type have been identified in some cutaneous diseases, information relating to the latter is sparse. We measured the concentrations of soluble E-cadherin in several cutaneous diseases, and found higher levels in sera from patients with bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, psoriasis vulgaris and inflammatory skin diseases, compared with controls. In psoriasis vulgaris the levels of soluble E-cadherin in sera correlated with the PASI score. In normal individuals, levels in suction blister fluid were double those in sera. These findings suggest that changes occur in circulating levels of soluble E-cadherin in skin disease, possibly reflecting increased turnover and/or proteolysis of cell-surface molecules in the epidermis.

[Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced or recurrent breast cancers]

Ideally, in preoperative intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy (regarding advanced breast cancer) is to obtain the most significant effects concerning histological features. Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy using epirubicin (EPI), used in conjunction with daily doses of 1,200 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), have recently been performed. This procedure has shown remarkable histological effects in the metastatic lymph nodes as well as in the primary lesions. These results were especially remarkable in the patients who were administered MPA (daily) two weeks prior to EPI infusion. These patients showed a complete disappearance of tumor cells. The results were interesting in view of the mechanism of action. Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with MPA may also be valuable in treating metastatic liver tumors and recurrent lesions in the regional lymph nodes such as supraclavicular tumors. A high response rate was obtained in the chemo-endocrine therapy when combined with MPA as a pretreatment. Thus, MPA may be expected to be available as a systemic therapy, too. In the future, a new development in the field of intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy may be achieved by utilizing a combination of angiogenesis inhibitors and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Immunoglobulin G subclass distribution of human anticolon antibodies in ulcerative colitis

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses of anticolon antibodies were studied in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The concentrations of total serum IgG subclasses were also measured by ELISA. The values for total serum IgG subclasses in patients with UC were not significantly different from those in normal controls, while the ratio of IgG1 to IgG2 in the patients was significantly higher than that in normal controls. All four IgG subclasses of autoantibodies were demonstrated in the sera of the patients. IgG4 anticolon antibodies were detected most frequently (15 out of 18 patients, 83%). IgG2 was the next most prevalent (9 of 18 patients, 50%). The activity of anticolon antibodies in each subclass did not correlate with the concentration of the corresponding serum IgG subclass. Seven cell lines producing anticolon antibodies were obtained from the colonic mucosa of the patients by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformation. IgG subclasses of anticolon antibodies secreted by these cell lines were also varied. IgG4 subclass was secreted by three EBV transformed cell lines, all of which produced IgG4 anticolon antibodies. These results suggest that all four different IgG subclasses could respond to the colon antigens and that various antigens in colonic mucosa or lumen may contribute to the induction of those autoantibodies. In addition, the prominence of IgG4 anticolon antibodies may support the pathogenic role of this subclass in UC as in other autoimmune diseases.

Comparison of the phosphorylation of myelin-associated glycoprotein in cultured oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells

Phosphorylation of the large and small isoforms of myelin-associated glycoprotein (L- and S-MAG) was investigated in primary oligodendrocyte cultures and in immortalized Schwann cells by incubating the cells with inorganic [32P]phosphate and immunoprecipitating MAG. In oligodendrocytes, both L- and S-MAG were phosphorylated, but L-MAG was much more heavily labeled. In Schwann cells, most of the phosphorylation was in S-MAG, which is the predominant isoform expressed by these cells. In both types of cells, the principal phosphorylated amino acid in MAG was serine. Radioactive phosphothreonine and phosphotyrosine were also detected in the MAG from oligodendrocytes. In Schwann cells, there was less phosphorylation of threonine and labeled phosphotyrosine was not detected. In both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, the phosphorylation of MAG was stimulated by phorbol ester and a calcium ionophore, but not by forskolin. The results indicate that the phosphorylation of MAG is catalyzed by protein kinase C and possibly other calcium-activated kinases in both types of myelinating cells, but not by cAMP-activated kinase. An inhibitor of tyrosine phosphatase, ammonium vanadate, increased the amount of radioactive phosphate in MAG several fold in both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. However, even in the presence of vanadate, the great majority of radioactivity in MAG was in phosphoserine and only a small amount was in phosphotyrosine, suggesting that tyrosine phosphorylation of other proteins may indirectly increase the phosphorylation of MAG. The current status of our understanding of MAG phosphorylation is reviewed in the context of similarities and differences between our results and other reports in the literature.